Despite the Washermenpet - AG-DMS stretch of phase-1 all set to become operational, the Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) will continue to operate the direct service that links all major transit hubs from Central, Egmore Railway, Koyambedu CMBT and Airport via Alandur, Times of India has reported.

According to the report, the last leg of the 45 km phase-1, from Washermenpet to AG-DMS, covering a 10 km line with eight underground stations is set to open later this month.

“We were initially considering to discontinue the direct line after opening the Washermenpet to AG-DMS line. But we understand that there is a demand for the direct service and so we have decided to continue the service,” a metro rail official was quoted in the report as saying.

The two corridors of the phase-1 run from Washermenpet to the Airport via Central Metro, and Central Metro to St Thomas Mount. However, the CMRL introduced a direct service from Central Metro to the Airport via Nehru Park, Shenoy Nagar, Anna Nagar, Vadapalani and Alandur. The service was reportedly launched on popular demand and a metro train is available on this route every 15 minutes.

The continuation of metro services from Central to the Airport on two different corridors will benefit commuters who board the train from stations anywhere between Egmore Metro and Ekkattuthangal as they would not have to change corridors.